1. Connect
Bloom
Grow
Learn
Nurture
Play
ABU DHABI issue 3
2012/2013
AL YASMINA SCHOOL STRIVES TO BE AN
OUTSTANDING INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
SCHOOL, MAXIMISING THE LEARNING
POTENTIAL OF ALL
THE PRIMARY
PARTNERSHIP
AL YASMINA
SCHOOL

2. CONTENTS
WELCOME From the HEAD OF SCHOOL 3
INTRODUCING primary curriculum team leaders 4
FOCUS ON foundation stage 7
Year 6 & year 9 history project 9
year 2 VISIT ABU DHABI airport 10
KS2 spelling bee 11
students of the month 11
sats results success 12
haad award for school 12
year 6 award winners 13
primary achievement centre launch 13
FOY roundup for the year 14
Welcome to the last issue of The Primary PARTnership
for the 2012/2013 academic year. The Primary
PARTnership is the publication for Al Yasmina's primary
school.
It gives Al Yasmina School the chance to celebrate
progress and achievement and provide more in depth
information to parents on a wide variety of subjects.
We welcome your feedback.
communications@alyasmina.sch.ae
The last Primary PARTnership for this academic year
Topics, trends, updates, views and news from the Al Yasmina Primary Department
WELCOME
Pictured on the cover: Foundation Stage 1 Performance
2

3. The Primary PARTnership is becoming increasingly popular,
with many staff and students keen to showcase their
achievements in each publication.
In a way, I feel short changed that the summer break is
upon us and this will stall the interesting and informative
developments of the primary school.
Looking back, the school has continued to go from strength
to strength. While this is only edition 3, it has set the standard
and has been well received.
Much time and effort goes into preparing each month's
edition. I am very grateful to the staff involved in making
each publication an interesting and informative read. Special
thanks go to Ms Fitzgerald and Mrs Vorster.
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL, MR GALE
“If everyone is moving forward
together, then success takes
care of itself” - Henry Ford
I do hope you enjoy reading through this edition and that the
break will leave you eagerly awaiting edition 1 of the new
academic year.
Changes and developments are under way to secure
our journey towards “outstanding”. The feature on the
Achievement Centre will give you an insight into one of a
number of planned initiatives for 2013/2014.
The children and the school have so much more to share with
you. We look forward to doing this.
Enjoy the read.
Travel safely.
issue 3
2012/2013
AL YASMINA SCHOOL
3

4. Overview with Assistant Headteacher
Kate Davies
In September 2012, Al Yasmina was four years old. As a staff
and as a leadership team, we felt it was the right time for
the school to start moving towards having Curriculum Team
Leaders to ensure that our curriculum was tailored to meet
the specific needs of our international student body. We also
needed to ensure continual progression in skills and learning,
as well as a uniform approach to assessments across the
school.
The CTLs have been in place for one academic year now and the
changes they have brought about are excellent. This has been a
year of trialing new approaches and discussing initiatives with
the staff. From September, we will be starting from a much
stronger, more embedded position and I think the potential
for considered change and improvement to Al Yasmina’s
curriculum is immense. It is a very exciting position to be in and
the CTLs and the staff in their Action Groups can be very proud
of all their hard work in bringing us to this point.
Watch this space... there is a lot more to come yet!
issue 3
2012/2013
AL YASMINA SCHOOL
4
INTRODUCING THE CURRICULUM TEAM LEADERS

5. What we’ve been working on
- Writing School Development Plan identifying strengths
and areas for development.
- Writing whole-school assessment policy and leveling
document.
- Monitoring the effectiveness of maths teaching across
the primary school.
- Embedding higher order questions into lessons.
- Liaising with Secondary Maths CTL to ensure students
are ready for a smooth transition into the Secondary
curriculum.
What lies ahead
- Working collaboratively with staff to produce a “written
methods of calculation” document which will be shared
with parents at a demonstration evening.
- Sharing great practice. Teachers will have the
opportunity to swap year groups for particular maths
topics.
- Work more collaboratively with Arabic teachers for our
EAL (English as an Additional Language) learners.
- Work with other Aldar schools to share our assessment/
leveling document.
Final Word
“Nothing remains the same. Effective management of the ever-
changing curriculum is the effective and, hopefully, comfortable
management of change itself. I need to have my finger on the
pulse and describe the present situation and demonstrate that
changes to the curriculum are well thought out and planned for in
advance.”
The purpose of my role
To ensure the primary school
has a consistent and progressive
approach to teaching and assessing
literacy, and that standards in
reading and writing are secure.
Final Word
Kofi Annan, the seventh United Nations Secretary-General, once
said, “Literacy unlocks the door to learning throughout life.”
Here at Al Yasmina, we aim to provide a balanced literacy
programme that integrates the four modes of language (reading,
writing, talking and listening) within a supportive, stimulating and
secure environment.
We provide opportunities that develop each child's ability to use
language to think, to explore and to express their ideas with
confidence and clarity, irrespective of their cultural and language
background.
What we’ve been working on
- Introducing new sub-leveling documents across
the primary school to ensure consistency in
assessment, which will be ongoing. This means
that we won’t have to wait until the end of the term or
year to determine a student’s level through testing.
- Introducing moderation of Year 2 and Year 6
students across all Aldar schools to ensure
consistency of assessment.
- Working Action group by teachers, to update our
monitoring of reading and writing.
- Book Week in March was a great success, with
activities which included a parade of favourite book
characters, mystery readers, and the Readathon
which raised over 8000dh to be spent on books for the
World Challenge school in Uganda.
- KS2 Spelling Bee last month which saw 24 fantastic
spellers in the final.
What lies ahead
- Introducing the Accelerated Reader programme to
Years 5 and 6. This programme is already running
in Year 7 with encouraging results. The AR software
tracks and monitors a student’s basic language
and literacy skills, ensuring the range of books offered
is appropriate. The students take part in a quiz to test
their comprehension after completing each book, with
prizes for winners. The competitive element to the
programme has proven successful in getting
demotivated readers involved. There is consistent
evidence that those who have greater access to books
read more, and that those students who are
provided with more time for recreational reading
show better gains in reading achievement than those
who don’t. Reading and higher order comprehension
skills will still be taught each day in school, but AR
allows for extended reading practice helps to reinforce
critical vocabulary and comprehension skills.
- Making Book Week (beginning October 6)
bigger and better than ever, with a storywriting
competition, a Literacy Open Morning for parents, and
children’s author Ciaran Murtagh already booked to
speak to students.
- Extending the Spelling Bee to include KS1.
- Introducing cursive handwriting to the entire primary
school, in line with other Aldar schools. The children
will practice their writing skills every day.
Literacy
Miss Wood
Year 5 Parakeets
Miss Gaywood
FS2 Orange
Maths
The purpose of my role
To maintain an overview of the
maths curriculum through the
primary school, to listen to the
needs of staff and the requirements
of our learners towards tackling the
unfamiliar, and to move teaching and
learning forward to reflect a more
skilled hands-on approach.
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2012/2013
AL YASMINA SCHOOL
5

6. The purpose of our role
It is a new post, only created in February. We aim to improve the
ICT provision and curriculum across the primary school.
What we’ve been working on
- Sourcing a new ICT curriculum called IT@SS which will
be implemented in September from Year 1 through to
Year 6.
- Testing out hardware, establishing new ICT policies, and
setting up staff training programmes ready for the new
school year.
What lies ahead
- The replacement of the shared area computers
with tablets in class for all students and the
implementation of an exciting new ICT curriculum.
IT@SS offers six modules per year group, with steady
progression through the primary years. Modules include
Creating Pictures, Handling Data, Word Processing, and
Internet Research Skills.
Final Word
“We are really excited about how the future of ICT looks at Al
Yasmina.”
What we’ve been working on
- Science Open Morning for parents and Home Science
Challenges.
- Science Week at the end of April, with science topics
central to as many lessons as possible. The students were
invited to take part in the Science Challenge in which
they chose their own question to investigate. Year group
winners were selected and presented with a prize at the
school assembly. Children were also asked to participate
in a photo competition in which they took photos of
“science in the world around them”.
What lies ahead
- To make Home Science Challenges a termly event.
- To further develop Science Week in term three
- Enhance links with the secondary school by enabling
some classes to enjoy “wow science” in the secondary
science labs.
- Years 3 and 4 to participate in the Abu Dhabi Science
Festival in November.
Final Word
“We are trying to take forward a skills-based approach to science,
rather than just book-learned knowledge. We are going to continue
to monitor this, so that the children are constantly developing their
skills throughout the year, and their time at Al Yasmina.”
Science ICT
Miss Ritchie
Year 4 Wagtails
Miss Brown
Year 3 Buntings
Miss Lewis
FS1 Red
The purpose of my role
To make science a focus and allow
the students to see how they can
use their science skills in the real
world. To monitor assessment, and
to establish links between home
and school so students can see
that science doesn’t just happen at
school, it is all around them.
issue 3
2012/2013
AL YASMINA SCHOOL
6

7. issue 3
2012/2013
AL YASMINA SCHOOL
As the year draws to a close and senior students have squared up
to the exam board, it is timely to also acknowledge the progress
and achievements of Al Yasmina’s youngest students.
Foundation Stage was one of three primary year groups to hold
awards ceremonies last month recognising achievement and
marking the students’ progression on to the next stage of their
education. Head of FS2, Mrs Abraham, says her year group is
excited and ready to move on to Year 1 and Key Stage 1.
Both FS1 and FS2 have had a busy term with plenty of
opportunities for “hands-on” learning. In the first half-term, the
topic was Expeditions and the children “travelled” to the Polar ice
caps, outer space, the desert, under the seas, and even went on
safari.
They learned about the environment in each of these places,
the animals which live there, and the explorers who bravely
went there first in order for us to know what life is like in these
habitats.
During Space Week, a company came to school and set up a
planetarium in the primary sports hall. In this igloo-like tent
a documentary on space was projected on to the roof and the
students lay down to watch it.
“The children just loved the experience,” Mrs Abraham says.
The second half-term saw the focus on “People Who Help Us”.
This created the opportunity for visits from members of the
community and willing parents wearing their professional hats.
First up were the police, and the stage was set for the mystery of
who “stole” Mrs Barranger’s handbag. With the detective work of
the students, the diligence of the “officers” and the timely arrival
of Batman, the “villain” was apprehended and the crime solved!
A parent in Gold Class also arranged for a police car and officer to
visit the school and allow them to look through the vehicle and ask
lots of questions.
Next up, Nurse Wendy visited the children and talked about the
importance of personal hygiene and demonstrated some basic
bandaging techniques on her teddy. The children then undertook a
hospital role play, utilising their newly-acquired skills.
The students also looked at the important work of the Fire Service
and FS2 got to complete an assault course which would have
challenged the best fire officer!
This year the EYFS Revised Framework curriculum was introduced
in FS1 and will be implemented in FS2 in the coming year. It
reduces the number of objectives which need to be achieved in
each area of learning, allowing for teaching and assessment to be
much more focused than in the past. “It has had a great impact on
the children.”
Mrs Abraham says it has been a “fabulous” year in Foundation
Stage and the children have made great strides in their
development, setting them up perfectly for their journey through
primary school.
7
FUN-FILLED LEARNING FOR FS STUDENTS

8. Photo taken by a Year 2student, Zane Dooley Cullinane
issue 3
2012/2013
AL YASMINA SCHOOL
8
FS1 PERFORMANCE

9. Changing times for Year 6 pupils have meant collaboration
with their soon-to-be secondary peers.
As the students from Ospreys prepare to make the move into
secondary school, they have spent time with Year 9 Jazeira
looking at some of the changes that have taken place in society
over the past 50 years.
“Year 9 completed the project a couple of months ago,” says
History teacher Mrs Wood. “It’s a massive topic to get to grips
with, so they have been able to help the Ospreys students
focus on key areas and also advise on good websites and areas
of research.”
Year 6 were full of ideas and had quite a clear vision of where
they wanted their project -- on either sport, fashion, transport,
film or music -- to go. Under the guidance of their class
teacher, Mr Howell, they had picked out some of the significant
events and big changes they wanted to look at. “We were
assigned to give them ideas, support, help them, and overall
act as group mentors,” says Grace Chuan, of Jazeira.
“Ospreys were very enthusiastic and had great ideas of their
own which they eagerly shared with the rest of the team. The
two lessons that we were given were used very efficiently; they
were focused, found relevant information and worked very well
together,” adds fellow Jazeira student Carol Al Mokatash.
Working with Year 9 also allowed the Ospreys students to gain
some expert knowledge on new ways to present their research,
a skill they will continue to develop in secondary school.
“The Year 9s were very helpful, suggesting many creative ideas
about how to present our research, including Prezi, which we
haven’t used before!” says Alex Rashed. “We have all enjoyed
this experience as it has helped us understand how to work as
a team, and it has given us lots of ideas about presenting our
work.”
Year 6 went on to present their work to their peers to help
launch the project to the year group as a whole for Enrichment
Week.
“It has been a pleasure to watch Year 6 and Year 9 children
working collaboratively for the past few weeks, says Ospreys
teacher Mr Howell.
“The children have gained a lot in terms of how to present their
research, and how to work as a team to achieve a goal. Working
in the secondary school has also been beneficial, as part of the
transition process, in building the children’s confidence as they
prepare to start in the secondary school in September.”
YEARS 6 AND 9 TEAM UP ON HISTORY PROJECT
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2012/2013
AL YASMINA SCHOOL
9

10. Year 2 made headlines last month with their insider’s tour of
developments at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
The visit, which was well covered in local papers, focused on
teaching the students about how the airport serves the capital
and passengers from around the world. Abu Dhabi Airports
Company (ADAC) and Etihad Airways staff led the students on
a comprehensive tour through Terminals 1 and 3. They learned
about passenger check-in procedures and how e-tickets and
self check-in stations work, immigration requirements were
explained, they witnessed how the conveyor belt system quickly
delivers luggage, and they visited food and retail operations.
The students were also treated to a pre-flight preparation
experience at one of Etihad’s flights departing for London. They
were briefed by cabin crew on procedures taken ahead of each
flight, from catering and cleaning, through to maintenance
checks. They even spoke with the pilot and asked him lots of
well-considered questions.
YEAR 2 CHECKS IN FOR AUH AIRPORT TOUR
The students also got a feel for the scale of the developments
taking place around Abu Dhabi International Airport as they
viewed a model of the newly operated Air Traffic Control Tower
and the 700,000 square metre Midfield Terminal Building.
The trip was organised as part of ADAC’s commitment to
promoting the aviation industry with younger generations. “ADAC
is committed to ensuring that there will be a well-educated and
enthusiastic workforce in place to help drive Abu Dhabi’s aviation
industry in the future,” said ADAC chief operations officer Ahmad
Al Haddabi. “Tours of the airport introduce young students to
the world of aviation and the limitless potential professions it
provides.”
Mr Gale was thrilled with Year 2’s opportunity. “Hands-on
experiences are a vital part of our curriculum and we are proud
to partner with ADAC and Etihad in order to offer our students an
opportunity to learn about different career options.”
Congratulations to this month’s winners:
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Year 3: Rayan Mahmoud
Jood Al Mukhtar
Year 4: Armaan Syed Anwar
Charlotte Rae
Year 5: Riley Forbes
Julia Wahed
Year 6: Omar Zeidan
Caitlyn Gill
Foundation Stage 1: Gil Hutcheson
Kitty Commons
Foundation Stage 2: Finton Griffin
Farah Nafie
Year 1: Omar Sheriff
Emily Strika
Year 2: Oscar Willsher
Libby Backhouse
issue 3
2012/2013
AL YASMINA SCHOOL
10

11. By Primary Curriculum Team Leader for Literacy,
Miss Wood
After several weeks of planning on the part of the Literacy
Action Group (LAG) and some nail-biting heats and semi-
finals, the final of the KS2 Spelling Bee was held on June 12.
All eyes were fixed firmly on the prize, a huge gold trophy
that any one of the competitors would have been proud
to win. Aaisha Hassan was lucky enough to face the
pronouncer, Miss Phillips, at the microphone first. If she
was nervous, she didn’t let it affect her and she spelt the
word “cough” clearly and with confidence. You could see
the relief on the other twenty three faces. Maybe this wasn’t
going to be as difficult as they had thought.
The first ten spellers were through to the next round after
spelling words like chocolate, friendly and useful. After
being told their attempts were correct, you could see the
joy on their faces as they returned to their seats. However,
this was a competition and a test of nerves after all, so
by the end of the first round eight of the finalists were
out. Misspelt words in this round included theif, parsel,
catterpillar, and misarable.
TARIK KURKCU TAKES SPELLING BEE TITLE
Now it was becoming unbearable. What if Tarik’s attempt
at the same word was right? What would his next word
be? Will he be able to spell one more word and become the
winner?
“M-A-I-N-T-E-N-A-N-C-E,” Tarik beamed. He was correct.
Sighs of relief could be heard around the hall. Tarik knew
he had to get the next spelling right. As his next word was
read out, you could see by his face that he knew this one.
Confidently and with excitement showing in his voice, he
spelt out R-E-L-I-A-B-L-E and waited eagerly for those
words from the judge. “You are correct.” Tarik had won. The
hall erupted with applause.
Mr Gale presented the awards. Tarik and Nandini proudly
received the glistening winner’s and runner’s up trophies
and all the finalists were called up to collect certificates and
medals.
Tarik Kurkcu (left) and Nandini Bhalla
As the rounds progressed, the words became harder and
more finalists were eliminated. The audience was tense.
Anxious parents shuffled uneasily in their seats as they
listened to their children deliberating before announcing
each letter. Round after tense round went by, spellers
moving to the other side of the stage as they were
eliminated, until about 45 minutes and fifteen rounds later
only two were left - Nandini Bhalla and Tarik Kurkcu.
Now it became even more competitive. Both contestants
stood on stage eagerly awaiting the next word to spell.
Nandini was asked to spell moccasin. There was silence.
“M-O-C-H-A-S-I-N.” “Sorry, you are incorrect,” announced
the judge, Miss Dean. Tarik now had to spell this word
correctly and also one more word to be crowned the winner.
“M-O-C-A-S-O-N.” “Sorry, you are incorrect,” repeated the
judge.
You could cut the atmosphere with a knife now. Both
children were still in with a chance. It was up to Nandini to
spell the next one correctly. “Your word is maintenance,”
announced Miss Phillips. “M-A-I-N-T-A-I-N-A-N-C-E.”
“Sorry, you are incorrect,” the judge replied.
“As Literacy and Spelling Bee Coordinator, I
felt that our inaugural competition went very
well. All KS2 children were involved and, most
importantly, enjoyed themselves. We raised the
profile of spelling at Al Yasmina, too. I can’t wait
for next year, when we hope to also hold a KS1
Spelling Bee. Thank you to everyone who made
this event a success.”
issue 3
2012/2013
AL YASMINA SCHOOL
11

12. Year 6 staff are thrilled to have sent home Al Yasmina’s
best-ever Year 6 SATs results with the end-of-year reports,
showing the cohort far exceeding last year’s UK national
average levels.
“Each year the results have got better, but this year the
students have reach an all-time high,” says Year 6 Leader
Mrs Griffiths.
The UK national average level for the end of Year 6 is a 4b.
At Al Yasmina, 98 percent of students achieved level 4 or
above in reading, compared with 87 percent in the UK, and
78 percent of students achieved a Level 5, compared with 43
percent in the UK. The maths and writing results were equally
impressive.
For the first time, Al Yasmina’s Year 6 students undertook
the challenging Level 6 papers in reading and maths. Eleven
attained this level in reading, and seven achieved it in maths.
“The Level 6 papers tend to draw from the Key Stage 3
curriculum, so you have to be pretty outstanding to be able
to achieve this level at this age,” Mrs Griffiths says. “We are
exceptionally proud of those children who attempted the
papers and would like to commend their enthusiasm for a
challenge.”
But just as important as attainment, is progress over the
year. Most students are expected to make two sub-levels
of progress a year -- to make three or more sub-levels of
progress is exceptional, she says.
This year, 71 percent of Year 6 moved up three or more
sub-levels in writing, with 70 percent making the same
improvement in reading. “That shows phenomenal progress
made by the individual children, regardless of their end-of-
year level.
As a teacher, your progress levels mean more to you than
the SATs attainment levels because making progress is what
teaching’s all about.”
“I can say that our children have absolutely blown us away. I
think the results are amazing. I have never worked in a school
that has been this successful.”
Mrs Griffths pays tribute to the role parents have played
in achieving these results. “I know that we could not have
achieved this if we did not have so much support from
parents, because learning opportunities need to be taken at
every point of every day.
The fact that the parents invest in their children by doing
extra work at home or by engaging in activities which further
their understanding of topics we are studying in school, has
also helped the children.”
She also recognises that the SATs results are the culmination
of all the teaching they have received at Al Yasmina, not just in
Year 6. “All the teachers here who have taught these children
should be proud of the results they have achieved.”
The students’ achievements were recognised at the Year 6
Awards Evening on June 23, and with a specially-arranged
fun day out bowling on June 13.
STAFF “BLOWN AWAY”
BY SATS SUCCESS
Al Yasmina’s enthusiastic participation in the Health Authority
Abu Dhabi’s Schools for Health “Eat Right Get Active” campaign
was recognised last month, with School Nurse Wendy Griffin
collecting an award from HAAD on behalf of the school.
HAAD AWARD FOR
FOCUS ON HEALTH
Al Yasmina’s enthusiastic participation in the Health Authority
Abu Dhabi’s Schools for Health “Eat Right Get Active” campaign
was recognised last month, with School Nurse Wendy Griffin
collecting an award from HAAD on behalf of the school.
Throughout the year, students have participated in healthy
activities in school, she says. These have included regular PE
classes, sports squads and physical activities at ECAs, and
activities outside of school (horse-riding, sailing and golf).
In addition to this, there have been classroom talks by staff
about keeping healthy, eating the right foods and keeping
active; and activities which have included preparing healthy
foods in class and covering class-room topics involving physical
exercise, such as FS2 undertaking a Firefighters Fitness Test.
“At the awards ceremony it was encouraging to see so many
other schools in Abu Dhabi which are also committed to
providing a healthy environment for children,” Mrs Griffin says.
“Given the high obesity figures among children in Abu Dhabi it
is essential that we teach students the importance of healthy
eating and keeping active.”
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AL YASMINA SCHOOL
12
Level 4
Reading
Writing
Maths
Al Yasmina
School
98%
96%
97 %
UK National
Average 2012
87%
81%
84%
Level 5
Reading
Writing
Maths
Al Yasmina
School
78%
44%
53%
UK National
Average 2012
43%
No data found
42%

13. Sitting from left: Ahmed Al Belooshi (Owl of the Year), Sandali
Weerasekera (Falcon of the Year) and Alexandra Rayner (Osprey of
the Year)
Back from left: Ariesh Ikram (Kestrel of the Year) and Rinki Gupta
(Eagle of the Year)
YEAR 6 AWARDS
Outstanding Literacy Award
Abigail Stanley (Owls)
Tarik Kurkcu (Kestrels)
Zavier Holzl (Kestrels)
Jasmine Cheah (Kestrels)
Glen Davidson (Kestrels)
Mohanad El Chouemi (Falcons)
Alex Rashed (Ospreys)
Aine Griffiths (Ospreys)
Ana Bustamante Perez (Eagles)
Yarrow Ansell (Eagles)
Bruce Donald (Eagles)
Outstanding Numeracy
Tarik Kurkcu (Kestrels)
Zavier Holzl (Kestrels)
Jessica Priestley (Falcons)
Mohanad El Chouemi (Falcons)
Mohammed El Barky
Alex Rashed (Ospreys)
Andrew Tampubolon (Ospreys)
Aine Griffiths (Ospreys)
September 2013 sees the launch of the new Primary
Achievement Centre at Al Yasmina.
This exciting development for the primary school will be
led by Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator Mrs Elmer,
who has been at the school since it opened in 2008. She
will be supported by a well-qualified team who will work
with primary students in their learning to ensure each one
achieves their full potential.
The Achievement Centre (also known as ACE) will deliver
intervention programmes across the primary school
predominantly in English, maths, reading, spelling,
grammar and punctuation. It will also develop the skills
of students who have English as a second or additional
language, along with those pupils who have been
identified as Able, Gifted and Talented within an area of the
curriculum.
The Primary Achievement Centre will complement the
Secondary Achievement Centre launched at the start of this
academic year.
Both teams will work together to ensure a smooth transition
for students between the primary and secondary school.
“This is a huge step for the primary school,” Mrs Elmer
says.
“I am looking forward to the opening of the Achievement
Centre as this will allow me and my team to support so
many more students in their learning across all areas.
STAFF EXCITED BY NEW ACHIEVEMENT CENTRE
We are excited to have Yasmin Kapadia joining us as an
experienced teacher of students with English as an Additional
Language (EAL) and I will continue to be supported by Ms
Bromley as I have this year.”
In addition, the team will consist of two Higher Level Teaching
Assistants - Mrs Pharoah and Mrs Queen, along with Learning
Support Assistants Mrs Wright, Mrs Botham, Mrs Sozan and
Mrs Hajqasem.
“We are all excited to be working as a team across the primary
year groups providing identified students the skills with
which they can extend their learning independently within the
classroom and beyond.”
Back from left: Mrs Botham, Mrs Hajqasem, Mrs Wright, Mrs Pharoah,
Mrs Queen, Mrs Sozan
Front from left: Miss Bromley, Mrs Elmer
issue 3
2012/2013
AL YASMINA SCHOOL
13

14. FOY experienced another busy month, and as we wind down in
preparation for the summer break, we have had the chance to
reflect on our fundraising efforts and accomplishments of the
past year.
FOY donated 16,255AED to charity – 10,000AED to Operation
Smile and 6,255AED to World Challenge Uganda.
FOY’s other donations/purchases included:
Primary Garden Design Project 10,000AED
The Wiz production 5,000AED
International Day stalls 5,000AED
Beanbags for primary school 6,000AED
Updated canvas photos for the school walls 2,000AED
Walid’s crew—maintenance, security and cleaning staff—for
their continued excellence and support of FOY and the school
1,250AED.
We also purchased cakes/doughnuts as a thank you to
teachers and a farewell gift for a departing key staff member.
Lastly, we bought several items to help FOY better serve the
school - BBQ grill, warming trays, and bins for uniform sales.
FOY was able to do all of this because of our fundraising over
the past year. FOY members and other volunteers participated
in huge events such as the Festive Fayre, National and
International Days, and the Table Top Sale.
We assisted and sold refreshments at nearly all major sporting
events—House Sports Days, Sports Awards Night, swim galas,
and the Aldar Olympics. We also supported the WOW Factor,
Year 5 Movie Night, Year 3 Australian Sleepover, Year 2 Click
Exhibition, the Festive Concert, the D&T Art Auction, and more.
Our major sources of income were the Festive Fayre, second-
hand uniform sales, the FOYVEG program, and the Table Top
Sale. Mr Gale was also very generous to FOY and we appreciate
his constant support and encouragement. We had several key
events this term. The first was the wonderful production of
The Wiz on the nights of May 29 and 30.
FOY donated 5,000AED to the primary drama club and provided
refreshments on both nights of the performance.
The annual FOY Table Top Sale was held in the atrium on June
1 and was hugely successful.
Stallholders gave lots of positive feedback and even requested
that more sales be held during the year. There were 65 stalls
and a huge variety of goods at bargain prices. FOY will hold
another Table Top Sale in May 2014.
We may even host a bazaar in the autumn term.
The FOYVEG programme maintained its popularity with Al
Yasmina families and staff. This healthy eating programme
will kick off again in October.
The Design and Technology Art Exhibition took place on June
16 with an auction of beautiful artworks created and donated
by secondary students. The auction raised 1,925AED, which
the students generously donated to FOY. With the addition of
another 8,075AED from FOY, a total donation of 10,000AED was
made to Operation Smile UAE.
We are looking forward to the following activities in the new
term:
• A Second Hand Uniform sale will be held before the
start of school on August 28, from 1 – 3pm in the
atrium.
• Al Yasmina turns five in September , so keep an eye
out for lots of exciting activities planned to celebrate
this milestone.
• The Al Yasmina Ball is scheduled for November 15.
We would like to take this opportunity to say “thanks” to all
who assisted us in any way this year. FOY could not exist
without our volunteers who selflessly give up their time and
talents to make Al Yasmina School even better.
Please consider being a part of the FOY team. All parents and
friends are encouraged to participate. Even if you can only
spare a small amount of time, this will be appreciated by the
students in the school and by the charities we support.
All positions on the committee will be open for nomination at
the AGM on Monday, September 16 at 6.30pm.
It is time for our chairperson to step down after two years of
wonderful work. Please contact Mr Gale (PAHOS@alyasmina.
sch.ae) if interested in the position. Join us at the AGM or
come along to the monthly meetings and be part of the fun!
Written by FOY treasurer Lisa Wall
FOY END-OF YEAR ROUNDUP
14
issue 3
2012/2013
AL YASMINA SCHOOL